At RuneScape gold level 40, you can begin hiring crew. Different crew members excel at different tasks-navigation, salvaging, or handling. Larger ships can host more crew, and they make a big difference for:

Port tasks

Salvaging

Combat encounters

However, the crew cannot accompany you into the Barracuda Trials.

Early-Game Roadmap (Levels 1–30+)

A quick levelling path summary:

1–5: Complete The Pandemonium

1–12: Do port tasks

12: Complete Prying Times → Jump to Level 15

15–22: Port tasks or salvaging

22: Complete Current Affairs → Level 24

24–30: Continue tasks or salvage

30+: Unlock bounty tasks and Barracuda Trials

This mix gives you a clean, smooth early progression into the core of the skill.

Fully AFK for 25 Minutes: The Latest OSRS Sailing Technique
Old School RuneScape's Sailing skill has introduced a wave of new mechanics, training routes, and optimisation strategies-and with it comes one of the most relaxed methods currently available. If you're looking for long AFK intervals, steady experience, and virtually no input for nearly half an hour at a time, this new salvaging method is one of the strongest options on the market. Players are calling it one of the best AFK techniques for mid-level Sailing, and for good reason: it allows you to go completely hands-off for up to 25 minutes straight.

Below is a complete breakdown of how the method works, what you need to get started, and how to position your ship efficiently to maximise your AFK earnings.

Requirements & Preparations

To use this method, you'll need at least Level 40 Sailing. Having enough RuneScape gold can be a great help to you. This is the level at which you can begin hiring crew members-an essential part of the setup, since they'll be doing all the salvaging work for you.

Two early-game crew members are key:

Jobless Jim – Level 40 Requirement

Location: The main port

Simply speak to him once you meet the requirement to hire him as crew

Jim is your first salvaging specialist and will operate one salvaging hook

Captain Scad – Level 50 Requirement

Location: Desert Mining Camp (upstairs)

Once hired, Scad functions as a second salvager

With both crew members recruited, your Sailing efficiency doubles-necessary for the full AFK method to work properly.

Unlocking the Sloop (Level 50)

The method becomes viable once you reach Level 50 Sailing and unlock the Sloop, a huge upgrade from earlier vessels.

Why the Sloop is essential:

Supports two salvaging hooks instead of one

Let's you park both crew members at separate sides of the ship

Allows simultaneous salvaging from multiple wrecks

Offers increased cargo space and quality-of-life improvements

This combination creates a perfect storm for long-duration AFK gameplay-something rare in OSRS.

How the AFK Salvaging Cycle Works

Once your crew is hired and your Sloop is ready, the method becomes incredibly simple:

Approach a pair of shipwrecks.

Nearly every shipwreck on the map has another one close by. If you're mid-game or higher, you'll always find a pair.

Position your Sloop between the two wrecks.

Your goal is to sit exactly in the middle so both salvage points fall within range of your hooks.

Assign each crew member to a side.

Open crew commands

Select Other Facility

Send one to port, the other to starboard

Your crew begins salvaging automatically.

Every time they reel something up, you gain Sailing XP

Salvaged items are added to your cargo hold instantly

When one wreck is depleted, the crew automatically moves to the next

Go fully AFK for up to 25 minutes.

The cycle continues until both wrecks despawn and respawn. Your crew will wait patiently and begin working again once they reappear.

The beauty of this method is in its consistency. Your crew members behave exactly as instructed, never wandering and never needing any micro-management.

What to Do After Your AFK Timer Ends

After your 25-minute interval is up, you'll return to a full cargo hold. At this point:

Sail to your salvaging station

Sort through everything your crew collected

Keep the materials you need

Drop or sell the rest

Then simply reposition your ship again and repeat.

This method produces:

Reliable passive Sailing XP

A steady stream of salvage items

Minimal effort for maximum value

It's ideal for players who are working, studying, or multitasking on a second monitor.

Crew Upgrades & Progression

As you continue training and levelling up, more advanced crew members become available. Higher-tier sailors offer better efficiency, faster salvaging speeds, and stronger bonuses. Some upcoming crew options include:

Adventure AA

Cabin Boy Jenkins

These aren't required for the basic method, but swapping into upgraded crew whenever possible will improve your experience per hour and ensure you're ready for later Sailing content.

Why This Method Stands Out

OSRS is well known for AFK training, but Sailing introduces something special: a skill where your crew does the work for you. Instead of clicking every few seconds or maintaining a strict AFK window, you can literally walk away for nearly half an hour with no risk to your ship or resources.

This method is:

Perfect for players with busy schedules

Great for mid-level Sailing progression

Simple, reliable, and extremely low-effort

Likely to remain relevant even as the meta evolves

While future content and patches may introduce faster or more optimised XP methods, this is one of the most comfortable ways to bank long sessions of AFK time while still making meaningful progress.

Final Thoughts

If you've just entered the mid-game of Sailing and want a method that respects your time, this 25-minute AFK salvaging setup is one of the strongest tools available right now. With nothing more than a hired crew, a Sloop, and a good pair of cheap RS gold shipwrecks, you can train in sailing while barely touching the keyboard.